The Canadian Hole is one of the more social places to go windsurfing on Hatteras Island. During peak weeks, it can even be tough to find a parking spot! This makes for some really fun sailing, just make sure you know and adhere to the right of way rules (Starboard tack (right hand forward) has ROW over port tack (left hand forward) sailors). Make sure to give everyone a smile and a hoot as you wizz past!
A few years ago, I wrote a guide for Windsport Magazine, you can check it out here for more info!
The one major thing that I forgot to say is that the Hole is no longer officially called the “Canadian Hole.” These days, the road signs read “Haulover Day Use Area” which is actually based on the historic name. The location is one of the narrowest spots on the whole island, so boats would sail there and then drag their vessels up and over the dunes to get from the sound to the ocean. So there’s your random fact for the day!
Getting There: Park in the “Haulover Day Use Area” parking lot, located halfway between Avon and Buxton. You can’t miss it, because it’s the only thing along that stretch of roadway. There are changing rooms, bathrooms, and showers, too! Here it is on a map: (Note- the darker colored water straight out from the lot is deep water- everywhere else is shallow- especially the sandbar just to the north)
Here are some videos shot at the Canadian Hole:
Windsurfing With Wojtek from Andy McKinney on Vimeo.
ABK at the Canadian Hole from Andy McKinney on Vimeo.
Tailgate Video, Canadian Hole, March 29, 2009 from Andy McKinney on Vimeo.
Sunset Bump and Jump from Andy McKinney on Vimeo.
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